so you think you know your stuff (part 2)
continuation from part 1.
5. There is a difference between intellectually knowing and having faith. And we walk by faith, with our direction guided by the bible. cf. 2 Cor. 2:7, Psalm 119:105
Therefore, fight to take God at his word. Fight to just surrender and simply believe what he says. Because all the while, our flesh whispers that he is not who he says he is—that he is not sovereign, worthy of our lives, all-satisfying loving, kind, gracious, willing to accept sinners like us, forgiving, and steadfast.
6. It is not enough to know, or even to believe—we must love and obey. cf. 1 John 2:1-6, James 2
Therefore, obey. The true Christian is saved by faith through grace in Christ alone, and faith manifests itself in a life of growing obedience and holiness. Work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. The strength to follow his commands could never come from us, and so we must obey—always depending on him to obey. This is how we love God.
7. Intellectual knowledge for its own sake puffs up, but love builds up. Correct theology is important in our interactions with others because we must point others correctly to Christ, but the motivation is Christ’s glory—and the model is Christ’s life. cf. 1 Cor. 8, Philippians 2
Therefore, as you are pursuing a correct understanding of who God is (which we all must do), know that you must humbly love others. Count them as more significant than yourself. A love for others will cause you to study hard and strive to help others understand truth. Teach and correct out of love and a desire for others to know and love Christ; it will help you do it all patiently, gently, and graciously.
There are some of us who read this stuff and think, “man, this is such basic truth. I know all this.” There are some of us who hear the gospel preached regularly and, every time it comes up, start to doze.
I beg you to consider again the weight of the truths you consider so elementary, and the magnitude of the gospel you think you have graduated.
We need it daily. Myself, especially. Soli Deo gloria.
